IN the bustling heart of Accra, Ghana, James Obeng operates an engine refurbishment shop near the Odawna district. Together with his apprentice, they expertly dismantle engines and perform meticulous processes to breathe new life into vehicles. For years, mechanics like James have been instrumental in keeping imported vehicles from Europe, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific running smoothly, Albert Oppong-Ansah reports.
‘Part of our work is to refurbish “dead” and smoky engines. This is because it is expensive at the car dealership. Engines are not manufactured here in Ghana but at least we have the skills to resurrect it,’ he said. However, as the winds of change blow in the automobile industry, the shift from fossil fuel to renewable energy is causing unease among mechanics across the country.
Governments, global automakers, and stakeholders have agreed to transition to 100 percent zero-emission sales of new cars by 2035 in leading markets, and globally by 2040. This ambitious goal aims to reduce pollution and combat climate change. The International Energy Agency (IEA) recognises vehicle electrification as a crucial step in reducing the carbon footprint of the transport sector. As a result, countries from which Ghana imports automobiles are also transitioning from Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles to Electric Vehicles (EVs).
Ghana, as a signatory to the Paris Agreement, acknowledges the need to reduce emissions in the energy and transportation sectors. The Energy Commission’s Drive Electric Initiative conducted the first electric vehicle baseline study, revealing that Ghana imports three types of EVs: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Hybrid-Electric Vehicles (HEVs). However, the report flags a significant skills shortage in EV servicing, maintenance, and repair.
‘The skills for EV servicing, maintenance, and repair are in short supply in Ghana,’ states the report. Currently, only three EV dealerships in the country have functional service facilities with well-trained technicians. This scarcity raises concerns about the readiness of Ghana’s EV sector and the ability of mechanics to adapt to the changing automotive landscape.
Industry analysts have dubbed Ghana’s EV sector an ‘implementation before planning trend.’ Bernard Owusu, the National Chairman of the General Transport Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union of the Trade Union Congress, emphasises that the policy, standards, and maintenance sectors are not yet fully prepared for the influx of EVs. ‘The policy is not ready, same as the standards and maintenance/service sector, yet there are EVs in the systems,’ he says.
However, some dealers, like iJANU Limited, have recognised the emerging niche and are actively engaging in the EV market. These companies are importing EVs and ensuring they have trained mechanics to support Ghana’s transition to renewable-powered vehicles.
Acknowledging the limited skills of mechanics, Daniel Essel, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Transport, describes it as a ‘stranded asset’ issue that needs to be addressed. The ministry is working on a draft policy that will provide re-training opportunities for mechanics and artisans to maintain and service EVs. Essel stresses the importance of building the capacity of mechanics to conform to the changing landscape of the automotive industry.
Fred Kyei Asamoah, Director-General for the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET), sees opportunities for students, mechanics, and professionals in the technical and vocational sector. He believes that the robust and dynamic competency-based training approach curriculum can produce graduates equipped to handle EV maintenance. The government’s investment and reforms in technical and vocational education and training have attracted enrolment of over 50,000 students in 2023.
‘There is a sector skills body that decides the curriculum because they are the up takers of graduates. One is dedicated to auto and conversation has started looking at equipping our learners to service EVs,’ he says.
‘Now, the automotive sector skills body is looking at mechatronics and autotronics, which border on EV’s. The investment and reforms by the government in technical and vocational education and training is huge. It has attracted many, resulting in 50,000 plus enrolment in 2023.’
The garages, he says, can be supported under the second phase of 20 million Euro Ghana TVET Voucher Project (GTVP) that provides demand-driven training vouchers to CTVET registered and accredited TVET institutions for master craft persons and their apprentices to attend.
While support from vocational training institutions and the government is being provided, garage owners are keenly aware of the challenges posed by the emergence of EVs. Already, over 17,660 EVs are on Ghana’s roads, highlighting the need for mechanics to acquire the necessary skills.
Johnny Karambilas, the Secretary of Odawna Zone One Garage, recalls that its mother body last year provided an avenue for mechanics willing to upgrade their skills on EVs. However, many could not sign on to it due to the financial commitments involved.
Francis Nomo Tetteh, the National Communications Director of the Ghana National Association of Garages (GNAG), highlights the urgency to empower mechanics in the face of rising EV numbers. Tetteh appeals to vehicle manufacturers in China, the Americas, Japan, Korea, and Europe to offer free training for mechanics in Ghana to ensure their job security.
‘Our membership in the country is more than three million and training 40 out of that is woefully inadequate. The number of EVs are rising and our people need to be empowered,’ he said.
As the policy on EVs continues to take shape, mechanics like James worry that they may be left behind due to the slow pace of skill development in the EV sector. As Ghana strives towards its goal of transitioning to electric mobility by 2070, it becomes increasingly crucial to bridge the skills gap and empower mechanics to navigate the evolving automotive industry.
